Bronze Eagle Sculpture Installed at Buffalo County Fairgrounds to Commemorate America 250
Kearney, Neb. – A permanent tribute to America’s 250th anniversary has been installed at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds.
The bronze eagle sculpture, titled “Holding on to Freedom,” was created by Kearney artist Mike Sughroue and was installed on Wednesday as part of the America 250 celebration. Standing seven feet tall, plus its base, the bronze sculpture serves as a lasting symbol of patriotism for Buffalo
County.
Sughroue, who has been painting and sculpting since childhood, said the eagle was a natural choice for the project.
“I have always liked eagles, and the eagle represents our country as our national bird,” said Sughroue. “This will still stand for the next 250 years.”
His artwork can also be found in communities including Hastings, Holdrege, Kearney, and locations in Colorado.
The sculpture is part of a larger yearlong effort led by the America 250 Buffalo County Celebration Committee, a dedicated group of community partners and volunteers working to commemorate the 250th anniversary.
Generous community donations made the sculpture and celebration possible. As part of the sponsorship program, All-American Sponsors received an 18-inch bronze eagle sculpture modeled after the larger piece.
The America 250 Buffalo County Celebration will culminate on July 4, 2026, with a free community event at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds. The event begins at 5 p.m. with yard games, food trucks, a beer garden and tailgating. A sculpture dedication will take place at 7 p.m., followed by live music from Borderline at 8 p.m. and fireworks choreographed to music at 10 p.m.
“Long after the celebration, “Holding on to Freedom” will remain as a permanent reminder of this historic milestone and the generous community members who helped bring it to life,” said Bobbi
Dickerson of Visit Kearney.